Little Miss Piggy and Super Brother

Little Abby has been more than the perfect baby, and AJ has been more than the perfect big brother and son. I couldn't be more proud as a mother than I am at this very moment. Abby's weight went down to 7 lb 12 ounces by the time we were discharged at the hospital on Wednesday (I couldn't stand being away from AJ, so decided to go a sleepless night without the aid of the nurses watching her at night so I could be there to lay him down and be there when he woke up the next morning). Well, at her appointment yesterday she was already up to 8 lb 3 oz, so to help you with the math, she gained at least 7 ounces in 36 hours! This is due to the fact that my beautiful little girl likes to nurse, and has been doing so almost every 45 minutes to hour! This, in addition to the fact that she starts snorting and grunting like a pig every timeshe gets hungry is why I affectionately refer to her as "Miss Piggy". Nursing is finally starting to not be as painful as it was a day ago, but I have a feeling it will be another week before it gets much better. Little stinker goes through about twenty daipers a day right now! She had 10 poopy diapers yesterday in addition to wet ones! I recorded every time I nursed her and every time I changed her for about 24 hours, then I finally gave up since I have no worries about her being a healthy and growing child.

I absolutely love seeing her smile. I don't mind that it is only when she poops or makes gas right now, it is just a window into the very near future. It amazes me how much I forgot about what babies do - especially since it was just barely two years ago I sat with my six or seven baby manuals listing all the milestones and things to watch as a parent. Good thing there are tons of websites with up to date information that gets emailed to me! I also pulled out a few of the books to read while nursing in the middle of the night - although hopefully that won't last too long! :)

AJ has just amazed me with how well he has handled this total life adjustment. It has been wonderful having Adam home this week, and I am glad that he will stay home with me through Monday ( a full week). My mom stayed with us until yesterday, and will return again on Tuesday. It pretty much took three adults to handle the two kids and keep up with household duties. This makes me a little nervous about what is to come on my own - anybody want to move in and help out this summer? :)

As good as AJ has handled this adjustment, I have noticed a definite increase in his whining and just seeming a little sad. He loves her and is constantly saying hi to her and gently touching her, which is awesome, but when I can't do things like play with him or read twenty stories before bed, he just cries "mama" or "play with me". I think I have probably cried more about this than he has, and know that it comes with the territory of having more than one child. I also realize how in a few weeks it will start to be easier to do things with both children, especially as I learn how to be there with him and Abby in a manageable way. I am so excited to watch them grow together and to be there for one another as they get older, and I feel so blessed for everything God has provided and made possible for us.

I tried to take AJ to the park near our house on Wednesday to help him see that things were going to be as close to normal as possible, and fortunately Adam volunteered to join us because I got super lightheaded and needed to sit down the whole time we were there (this was about 36 hours after I delivered Abby, so I don't recommend doing this to any second-time mommies!). Now I am feeling much better, and was able to take him to the park today by myself (although Adam met me there with a screaming baby as Abby wanted to nurse 25 minutes after I had just nursed her!). He has been playing a TON outside, and even caught his first fish with Adam and my mom the other night (I need to upload the picture from my parents camera, but it was a walleye for those of you who like to fish!). AJ helped reel it in and I think he touched it once it was off the hook. Adam got him his own pole now, so I am sure there will be many fishing adventures.

I apologize now for all the pictures I am about to share. I just couldn't narrow it down any further! Here are some more updated shots of Abby...

I think Abby was begging me to not take any more pictures here :)

Smiling away :)The car ride home. We used the same car seat as AJ used, but added a little pink to it :)Poor kid saw nothing but flash hundreds of times these past few days :)My sleeping beauty!

I think Abby enjoyed stretching out on her blanket!Our first bath was a success! Barely any tears!I should start looking into modeling companies I think - what do you think?This picture melts my heart. AJ wanted to give Abby a kiss, and he was so gentle with her while he did it!This is a picture Adam took to show his model airplane friends. He was showing off his two babies!Just hanging out :)

Playing in the swing...


All snuggled in warm and cozy!

Here are some recent pictures of AJ just hanging out. No big outings this week, but we are all definitely appreciative of this beautiful weather!

Here is AJ going down the slide at the park with me earlier today. He likes to climb up the ladder, which just about gives me a heart attack every time, but he has never fallen and seems very sure-footed.

AJ thought it was hysterical to put the boat in the pool. He kept talking about how it was like the boat in the lake (which he refers to as "his lake") where they went fishing the other day. AJ loves his train table! He grabbed both Adam's and my hand that night and said "play trains me". So, how could we say no? Besides, it IS fun :)AJ initiated this hug, and I was thankful I had the camera. They were in the middle of getting shoes on to go outside.This is the adorable smile just before the argument that No, we cannot go "way up high" and stand in the water table.

Here are a few pictures taken of AJ when he was just less than one week old... I think there are lots of similarities, but definitely some differences!

t

Introducing Abigail Rose Giles!

At 12:35 this morning our beautiful little girl, Abigail Rose (Abby) was born. She weighs 8 pounds 5 ounces and is 20 inches long.

After being three days overdue, my dr. allowed me to come in to the hospital yesterday so I could try a "cervical softener". The plan was not to induce labor, but to help move things along. I was then going to be scheduled for an induction on Wednesday morning (originally it was Tuesday, but since there was no progress, he wanted to wait one more day and let things "happen naturally".

So, we came in at 2:30 and around 9:30 were planning on leaving the hospital for the evening. When we looked at the monitor, Abby's heartrate was a bit sporatic (it went from the mid sixties, which is low, to the high 160's). The nurse and doctor decided to keep us here for monitoring a few more hours, so that was our plan. Then I started to have some contractions around 10:30, and they were starting to get regular (and painful). The plan was then for me to stay the night. Things then moved very quickly. At 11:50 they checked me and I was dilate between a 2 and a 3. Contractions were regular by this point, so they decided that I could stay, and I asked for an epidural (since I knew that the anisthesiologist needed to drive here, and I wanted to have it when I was dilated to a 4). At 12:15 I started to feel horrible and almost like I needed to push. 12:30 my dr. arrived and 12:35 she was born. There was no time for any drugs other than the tylenol I had an hour before, or to discuss anything. It was such an amazing process, and I am so beyond blessed to have everything work out okay and to have her so healthy. The doctor and nurses (and my husband/coach) kept directing me not to push, but there was no stopping her coming. The nurse read me what was written in the log for her birth, that there was a "grunt and the baby came flying out". The cord was around her neck once, but it didn't seem to phase her at all. She was nursing after about ten minutes of being born, and has been just perfect.

We were so fortunate to have my family staying at our house yesterday as they followed my copius list of directions and kept AJ on his routine. He did a beautiful job this morning meeting Abby, and even "bought" her a Dora doll and gave it to her (which is a true gift as he is obsessed with Dora lately). He enjoyed eating the icing off of her birthday cake (which the hospital provides), and we all sang happy birthday to her first. AJ had a bit of a difficult day yesterday when he realized Adam and I had left (we left during his nap), but did a wonderful job playing with my family, bath time, and reading books. My mom tried putting on a pair of his pajamas last night that he didn't like, and he informed her that they needed to go in the garbage can. When she tucked him in last night she said "do you want to talk"? AJ responded with "no talk" so she started to leave the room. He then changed his mind and said "more talk," so of course the two shared some more stories of his day and talked about trucks. I missed him yesterday so much, and continue to miss him tons, but I am grateful for this time to adjust to nursing again and to get some sleep and relax before we start our daily routine, whatever that will look like.

I better get back to my sweet little baby. I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Tender Moments

So, hormones are starting (or ending?) to get the best of me. I am SO in love with my sweet little AJ, I can barely stand it. We took over an hour doing our bedtime routine tonight, savoring all the play and cuddling in his room, then in my bed, then again in the rocking chair. After dozens of books, songs, and snuggles, he did end up going to sleep without a complaint, but it was during that process some sweet moments happened.

In bed we were playing with his teddy bear and the covers. At one point he was resting his head on "his" pillow (aka, Adam's pillow), and I was resting my head on my pillow. He smiled so sweetly at me, then said "kiss mama, mouth" and reached over, grabbed my head, and planted a sweet wet one on my mouth (mouth closed :)).

Then I was rocking him about twenty minutes later and he was telling me about his last day of daycare for the month. He said that Sara hurt his hand (she is a cute little girl at daycare, and I wasn't worried about this)... So, as always, I tried to get more out of our conversation. I asked him what happened, and he said, "Sara, time out". I asked him how that made him feel, and he said, "Sad. Cry". I then asked AJ what makes him happy, and he says, "mamma, daddy, happy". I said, do mamma and daddy make you happy, and he said, "Yes". He then said, "Like Mamma and daddy". I couldn't believe how sweet that was, and completely unprompted. I clarified by saying, "You like mamma and daddy?" and he said "yes". That is when my tears started, and part of why the little blessing got an extra long bedtime routine. Thank you God for my daily blessing you have given us, and for the blessing we are so excited to meet!

Less than 10 days to go and counting!

At my appointment on Friday I was sad to hear that there has been no progress in the past three weeks for little Abby's arrival. I am 1 cm dilated right now and my cervix is "softening," but no number was given. She is at a stage -1 and is still head down. I have been super uncomfortable, however, the good news is that if I do not go by my due date on the 13th of June, my dr. will induce me on the 16th. Finally - the light at the end of the tunnel! It is a comfort to know that Abby is doing well and will be a good size and healthy baby! I am so blessed to have this quality time with AJ and we have events planned every day until the arrival of Abby. I finished work last Thursday, so I am enjoying this quiet time during his nap and playing with my brilliant and handsome little man when he is awake.

Adam, AJ and I went to the zoo and dog park last weekend. It was a full day, but lots of fun! AJ loved feeding the goats, riding the tractor, and splashing water. The highlight at the dog park was when we found a caterpillar and we put it on Adam and his arm. Super exciting!

I took a few pictures of Abby and AJ's rooms since I finally finished her room, and as a result, AJ's room is all in one piece (now that the crib and changing table have been out of there for about a month). Here they are!

We recently had AJ's two year pictures taken. Here are a few of my favorites!

AJ's 2!

Wow, I am playing a bit of catch-up here! I hate to bore any of you with tons of details of events that took place over the past month and a half, but so much has happened, and I am starting to realize how easy it is to forget all the fun details of things.

In the middle of April our family (Adam, both my parents, my sister - Ashley, AJ, and I) all joined over sixty people from my school district to walk for the Steps of Hope Walk in Minnetonka. It is an annual fundraising event that takes place to support families with Autism in Minnesota, and I love seeing families of students and others within the district all coming together for a common cause. AJ did really well, although it was a bit overwhelming for him. The highlight for him was seeing the big "bear" TC from the Minnesota Twins.

Here is AJ and I standing by our new friend. Not the best picture of us, but AJ sure enjoys looking at it!

Spring Break was a blast! Our friends Aimee and her son Gabe came to stay with us for the week. Aimee and I have been friends since eighth grade and roomed together in college our freshman year (she spent sophomore year in England). After college I moved to Texas and then Minnesota, and Aimee went on to grad school again in England, then taught in Brooklyn, then in a small village in Alaska, and finally is now living in Arizona. We have stayed in touch, but haven't seen one another since our college graduation, so it was so fun to see one another with boys within a few days of one another, and to both be only a month apart in pregnancy right now. Our boys got along so well, and I think they both learned good things from each other. The week was filled with adventure and trips, but it truly was relaxing as well.

AJ and Gabe waited so patiently in line for ice cream while at the Mall of America. They both enjoyed every bite of their ice cream, so the wait was well worth it!

Here is AJ enjoying his own bowl of ice cream :)
AJ and Gabe were entertained while us mom's took turns shopping.

One of AJ's favorite things to do at the zoo is to put "money" into the coin thing at the zoo. We typically start off our visits to the zoo by stopping at costumer service and getting a roll of pennies. By the end of our visit we usually have used them all up :)

AJ and Gabe had so much fun looking at all the animals. Here they are laughing and imitating the monkeys!

AJ loves to look at the sharks and to splash water. Here he was being kind enough to pause from his splashing to pose for a picture with mom.

Although it was a lot of fun playing trains and toys r us, it was not a lot of fun leaving the store! Gabe did well, AJ not so much.Here we all are!

Some male bonding time...

Jammin' on the piano with an audience.

Easter was low-key this year. My family came for the weekend and we all had fun. AJ enjoyed looking for eggs around the house, and ended up not liking any of the candy (is this truly my child?) We ran out of time and didn't color eggs for the first time ever that I can remember, but nobody seemed too bothered by that :)

Here is our family photo taken before church.

AJ turned two on April 23rd (sniffle sniffle). Adam took the day off of work and spent the day with him instead of sending him to daycare. As soon as I got home we went to Chuckee Cheese for the first time. AJ was in HEAVEN! He loved everything - from eating messy pizza to putting tokens (aka money) in the slots to playing most of the games. The day ended with him sucking on a lolipop (sucker) while sitting on Adams shoulders and riding the escalater up in the mall to our car. When we got home we sang happy birthday and ate a small cake AJ had helped me pick out the day before at Cub. He kept calling it his happy brown cake because it was chocolate and had a big happy face on it :). AJ only wanted the icing, and he got a little upset when we gave him a slice instead of the whole thing, but when he saw the candle and heard his song, all was good.

Here AJ was practicing how he can eat a whole slice all at once (as opposed to just picking off the cheese and asking for more pizza when the cheese was gone).

Here is one happy birthday boy in the middle of eating his brithday cake!

We held AJ's birthday party at our house the Saturday after his actual birthday. Most of our immediate family was able to be here, which is always a treat. When I asked him what the favorite part of his birthday was, he said it was the Thomas cake :). AJ was fascinated with his Uncle Luke, and kept saying "Luke, funny". Thanks to Uncle Luke AJ may poke at your nose when he sees you in anticipation that you will in turn stick out your tongue :) AJ got several presents, and has enjoyed every one of them! My parents bought him a thomas table, trains, and tracks, which he plays with daily! He is all boy, and enjoys his new caterpillar, police car, and john deer tractor :)

Here AJ is trying to prompt Luke to stick out his tongue.

There was no "favorite" present this year - AJ had fun with all of his new toys!

AJ is pretending to make a siren sound.I think AJ liked his cake this year - a much better reaction than his first birthday!

This year we celebrated mother's day up in Alexandria. Adam spent most of the weekend fishing, and my sister and dad spent most of the day Sunday on the lake with Adam. Their time on the water was a success, as it often is, with several keepers. My mom and I took AJ to the garden center and picked out plants for our yards. AJ had so much fun pushing the cart and "helping" us carry flowers around.

Shopping for plants is so much fun!

AJ was such a good helper!

Here is AJ with my mom. He loves his grandma!

AJ grabbed my dad's hand while driving to dinner one night. Super cute!

I am amazed with how blessed we have been with gifts people have given us for little Abby. Many of my co-workers have given me adorable little outfits and blankets, and I was overwhelmed with the generosity of my friends at church when they threw me a lovely shower. My friend, Katy, and I drove together, and she was so helpful with taking pictures and helping me keep everything organized!

Here is the beautiful cake Vivian made me at the shower!

Work has been a bit overwhelming this past month, but mostly because I have been trying so hard to have things lined up and ready just "in case" I deliver early. I love my team though, and I enjoy my students so much, so it is all worth it. I am so thankful to be able to take off the first quarter next year, but that too adds a bit of a level of anxiety for me as I am having a difficult time "letting go" and having somebody else take over. Recently we had our annual big class party at Lion's Park, and that was a blast. It was great having so many parents and siblings join us, and all of the students did so well. Everyone had fun!With only fourteen days to go until Abby is scheduled to arrive, our schedules are finally starting to settle down. Her nursery needs a few final touches, but other than that is done. The swing, bouncy seat, and such are all washed and scrubbed and look just like new. I even washed and hung the clothes she will need over the first few months. I am so excited to meet my sweet little girl! She constantly is moving around, and I am in awe every time. I love to feel and see her moving around, trying to guess which body part is poking my stomach out several inches :) I have been much more uncomfortable and tired this time than I remember with AJ, but it is all worth it. I am just so thankful that everything is looking good and she appears to be perfectly healthy. The doctor's did an ultrasound over a week ago, and at that time predicted that she was already 6 pounds 10 ounces, give or take half a pound. She is supposed to gain an ounce a day, so that would put her at about 7 pounds 3 oz. right now :) Two weeks ago I was dilated to a one, but unfortunately in the past two weeks there have been no progress. I keep having tons of strong braxton hicks, so I just hope that when the time comes, it goes fast and painless! :)

We have been trying as best as we can to help AJ prepare for Abby. He doesn't seem too excited about the concept of a baby, and when we read together with my shirt up for him to read to Abby, he will usually try to pull my shirt back down and says "bye bye Abby" or "goodnight Abby". We had a baby refresher class a few weeks ago. While Adam and I refreshed on breathing and stages of labor, AJ went with the other children to watch movies, color, and play with dolls - everything being focused around being an older sibling. AJ wanted nothing to do with the doll, but did enjoy coloring and the brown around his lips made me think he enjoyed the chocolate chip cookies for snack time.

He is officially sleeping in his fire truck bed!!! This was our third and final attempt at converting him from the crib before the baby arrived. Abby will sleep in the pack and play anyway, but I wanted to try to make the switch now so he didn't perceive things as us taking it away from him to give to her. He sleeps through the night without getting out now, after just a week of making the switch. He is napping in the bed right now too :) Now all I have to do is get him to not want his paci, which he still gets for sleeping :( I figured we will wait on this and potty training until a few months after Abby arrives, when I will have a little more sleep to be able to follow through, and he will have his comforts with all the changes and adjustments. We continue to spend most of our evenings and weekends outdoors, either at parks or the zoo. Here are a few pictures from the past few months...

I don't think we need to worry about self-image any time soon, do you?

I don't know who had more fun at the park this day!

And they say a picture says a 1,000 words? :)
AJ enjoyed his first monorail ride! It was a full half hour, and he was entertained the entire time!

Here is just a snapshot of AJ snuggling one morning with his "big Elmo" and "little Elmo"

AJ and I went to a Sweeney playdate last weekend. We always look forward to seeing our friends at these playdates! AJ especially had fun "blowing" bubbles with a motorized toy!